For Immediate Release
February 27, 2026
Contact
202-505-1769
press@southwestpolicy.com
Albuquerque, NM—The Southwest Public Policy Institute (SPPI), today announced that it has formally filed an Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA) request with the New Mexico Lottery Authority (NMLA) seeking extensive documentation related to the procurement and transition of the state lottery’s gaming system contract.
The request covers records from June 1, 2024 through February 25, 2026 and seeks documents concerning: The award and execution of RFP #24-002 (“Lottery Solutions”) with Scientific Games, LLC; All contract amendments, conversion schedules, project plans, pricing proposals, evaluation scoring, internal audit materials, and related communications; Bid protest documentation and any related legal determinations; and All executed agreements—or, if none exist, written certifications—authorizing Intralot, Inc. to continue operations after November 21, 2025.
On October 16, 2025, NMLA posted a “Notice of Intent to Award Sole Source Contract” to Intralot, Inc. However, a notice of intent is not an executed contract. SPPI’s request seeks to clarify what legal instruments, if any, authorized continued lottery operations after the expiration of the base contract on November 21, 2025.
SPPI has grave concerns regarding both the integrity of the procurement process and the operational readiness of the newly selected vendor.
“The public deserves full transparency regarding how this contract was awarded and whether proper legal authority exists for continued lottery operations,” said Zachary Fort, Vice Chairman of the Southwest Public Policy Institute.“The Lottery funds scholarships for New Mexico students. Any irregularities in procurement or failures in transition planning could jeopardize public trust and potentially disrupt critical revenue streams.”
The Institute is particularly concerned about whether required gaming systems, testing protocols, security certifications, and retailer deployment plans will be operational in time to ensure a seamless transition of services. The request specifically seeks project plans, go-live certifications, readiness assessments, internal audit reviews, and communications related to any delays or mitigation efforts.
In addition, SPPI has requested all Board resolutions, committee materials, legal memoranda, and sole-source determinations that would authorize operations in the absence of a fully executed contract.
“This is not about politics. It is about governance,” Fort added. “If the procurement was handled properly and all systems are prepared for transition, the records will demonstrate that. If not, the public has a right to know.”
SPPI has requested rolling production of records and full compliance with IPRA’s statutory requirements, including detailed exemption logs for any withheld materials.
